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- Published on Thursday, 15 December 2011 14:33
Chocolates and Dogs do not Mix
Every Holiday period I hear of a dog or other pet that has gotten into the presents under a tree. An individual gladly provides a friend some gooey chocolates or cookies, nicely wrapped in joyful paper. The gift-receiver pops it under the tree to open on December 25th. The recipient's best-friend (the dog), of course, recognizes exactly what is in the box-- dogs can easily smell chocolate from anywhere in the home, or outside the house for that matter! The dog hangs around till the humans leave the house ... and the owners come home to a hyperactive dog as well as 2 dozen candy wrappers. Or worse, they come home to a dog that is sick from all the chocolate they ate.
Such a condition is a loss of yummy chocolate but it is even more than that. Milk chocolate in large amounts can be poisonous to dogs. The dark chocolate, baker's chocolate, as well as the chocolate candy bars can easily be poisonous in smaller amounts than milk chocolate.
The solution is simple: Open the presents prior to the big day. Or at the very least keep the gifts up high out of reach of your precious pooch. If you are intending on giving chocolate to a dog owner, consider not wrapping it so they will know to keep it away from the dog!
If your dog gets sick from chocolate, it is time to take them to your vet. Clear Creek Animal Hospital in Charlotte, NC can provide the expertise and love your pet deserves. Give us a call at 704.537.8405 or simply stop in. We love what we do and want your pet to be healthy.
